Top 25 Albums of the 2010s

One of the more diverse decades for music, the 2010s has seen the rise of all-time popular artists, the rise of the streaming era and, most importantly, some great great albums. I have listened to a whole lot of music in the past 5 or so years, a large majority being released in this decade; so I decided to craft a list of what I think are the best projects released in this decade (yes I know the title says albums but I will be including mixtapes too, saying albums just makes for a better title).

Obviously bias plays a part considering music is subjective, but I have tried to be as fair as possible with this list by taking into consideration lyricism, replayability, production quality and overall album construction. Final piece of admin, I will be only be selecting one album per artist so it leaves plenty of space for a wide variety of genres and artists.

25. Currents - Tame Impala

A genre-bending masterpiece, this album puts a pop twist on some ethereal psych-rock production. It's trippy, groovy, catchy and very commercial whilst at the same time being instrumentally proficient.

Kevin Parker's use of synthesizers across this whole album creates an atmosphere that snatches your attention. There is so much effort and charm in every inch of this record. Even in the big hits such as 'The Less I Know The Better' and 'Let It Happen' you can hear the attention to detail in the production. Every track on here is super entrancing in it's own right whether its the looping synths on 'The Moment', the verse long crescendo's and impactful drums of 'Cause I'm A Man' or the dreamy soundscape of 'Reality In Motion'.

Parker's singing is stunning across the entire record too. He makes his voice sound like it's an additional instrument, which I'm normally not a fan of as I prefer production and vocals to be unique in their own right whilst still working cohesively, but across this album it's mesmerising how his voice can blend so easily into the production whilst still standing out as it's own entity. This album was mixed so specifically and carefully it's unbelievable. Now I know it's a running joke to say 'he's just one guy!!!' but it is so impressive that one man can curate a body of work this sonically marvelous by himself. This album is fantastic and a must listen.

Favourite Songs: Let It Happen, Eventually, 'Cause I'm A Man, Reality In Motion

24. Pop 2 - Charli xcx

A very innovative electro-pop tape. Containing some of the strongest chorus' of Charli's career, this whole album is extremely addicting in a variety of ways.

'Out Of My Head' is a big highlight for me. Extremely sugary pop over some EDM style synths and classic scattering drums, it's just super fun to keep listening to, especially with the incredibly catchy hook and bridge. 'Tears' may sound over-produced to some, but I think it's entrancing and ambient with a stellar feature from Caroline Polachek. 'Femmebot' has a super punchy instrumental, a perfect fit for a Need For Speed soundtrack, and another really really catchy hook.

This record has a fantastic balance of ethereal, futuristic pop tracks (Backseat, Tears, Track 10), to more classic pop anthems with more playful and futuristic production (Unlock It, Out Of My Head, Porsche), to tracks that are bordering straight techno bangers (Femmebot, Delicious). The creativity shown by Charli in this project is astounding, she brings so much personality in every song. Whether it's by her own presence on the track or through her production choice each song has its own quirks and compelling features.

'Pop 2' captures numerous of my favourite songs and moments from the 2010s into a 10-song, 40 minute mixtape that flies by super quick.

Favourite Songs: Backseat, Out Of My Head, Tears, Femmebot

23. CARE FOR ME - Saba

The first album that isn't here purely for it's soundscape. Saba's 'CARE FOR ME' is a tragic tale of Saba losing his cousin Walter to gang violence and wanting to share his story, whilst questioning how you will be able to continue your own.

Saba tackles grief and coming to terms with the loss and applying that to his own life and how to avoid going out in the same way most notably in 'Life' and 'Calligraphy'. He often relates his grief back to his relationship with God and his struggles with faith, not that he's lost faith, just that he's losing patience with God. The album builds to refreshing climax with the closing two songs 'Prom/King' and 'Heaven All Around Me'.

'Prom/King' emphasises how close the relationship between Saba and Walter was and how Walter kept getting into altercations and freely getting out, up until Saba realises Walter has went missing, where he instantly knew what was up. "We got in the car, but we didn’t know where to drive to... wherever you are, we’ll come and find you" are the closing lines of the song and his desperation shines right through. If the album ended here then hopelessness would be all that's left with the listeners. However the closing track 'Heaven All Around Me' ends it off on a lighter note. This song is wrote in the perspective of Walter going up to heaven, emphasising that he has went to a better place and that he and Saba will meet again.

Moving away from the narrative of the album, Saba's rapping performances are top notch. His voice compliments the jazz rap production beautifully and he demonstrated his technical proficiency across every track, hitting every pocket over each instrumental with his always crisp flow. Beautiful album, amazing writing and production and that ends with an even better message.

Favourite Songs: Calligraphy, Grey, Heaven All Around Me, Prom/King

22. Titanic Rising - Weyes Blood

I still remember my first listen to this album, mainly because it was only a couple weeks prior to writing this list. The opener 'A Lot's Gonna Change' absolutely blew me away and I was hooked for the rest of the listen. This is an art-pop masterpiece. The instrumentation so grandiose and cinematic throughout the entire album, Natalie Mering's vocal performances are littered with power and emotion, the mixing makes everything cohesive and flow beautifully.

Lyrically, Mering touches on many modern issues and how her heart is yearning for peace, however it can be difficult to pay attention to what she's saying when what's happening in your ears is so lush and ethereal. I can't even bring myself to talk about songs individually when the record should be listened to as one whole experience.

Favourite Songs: A Lot's Gonna Change, Andromeda, Something To Believe, Movies

21. Doris - Earl Sweatshirt

May be an unpopular opinion to include this over some of Earl's later work such as the critically acclaimed 'Some Rap Songs', however this is one of the best rap projects released by a teenager that I have ever heard. I think that this is his most impressive work lyrically, even if it isn't the most ambitious.

This album is largely a showcase of Earl's lyrical prowess. No matter the tone of the track whether it's the breezy and sample driven 'Knight', the gritty and abstract 'Hive' or the depressing therapy session that is 'Chum', Earl is always showing that he has one of the best pens in the whole rap industry. His rhyming is akin to MF DOOM at his peak, packing numerous multi-syllabic rhyme schemes into every single verse on the album. His punchline game is no slouch too, "So don't tell me that I made it, only relatively famous, In the midst of a tornado, misfitted, I'm Clark Gable" being a good example on the track 'Burgundy'.

Aside from his technical efficiency, Earl always has something to talk about on this record. From the absence of his father on 'Chum', his grandmother's passing on 'Burgundy', and navigating distant relationships as famous musicians on 'Sunday'. Earl comes across very introspective and especially nihilistic across this entire record, combining that with the fairly ominous production and his often deadpan delivery it perfectly reflects the feeling of hopelessness.

Favourite Songs: Sunday, Hive, Chum, Knight

20. CTRL - SZA

CTRL is an R&B album that tackles many issues in SZA's life such as desire for a sweet, romantic relationship, living a life of sexual immorality and growing up. Coming in at 14 tracks and 49 minutes, its a very concise album that doesn't drag and overall has very good vibes. SZA's vocal range is unbelievable as shown in the chorus' of songs such as 'Drew Barrymore' and 'Supermodel'. The production across the whole record is super lush and warm, almost makes you forget about the deeply personal, and sometimes very vulgar (I'm talking to you 'Doves In The Wind'), subject matter on most of the songs.

There is a great blend of songs with very stripped back, minimalist production (Supermodel and 20 Something) and then more full, layered production (Broken Clocks, Prom and The Weekend). Showing this amount of variety and versatility in production styles on your debut album is super impressive.

A common criticism of this album is that SZA's lyrics can come off quite immature sometimes, however the way I see it is she is airing out all her insecurities about herself in an effort to change. In the song 'Normal Girl' she sings: "You like it when I be aggressive... Wanna be the type of girl you take home to your mama" showing she just wants a normal, loving relationship when every man she's been with just wants her for what she brings in bed. On surface level, it does seem like SZA is just a sex fiend, but that is exactly what she doesn't want people to see.

Favourite Songs: Drew Barrymore, Supermodel, Prom, 20 Something

19. Monster - Future

Monster is one of the most raw and introspective trap records I have ever heard. Future's lyricism across this tape is super hedonistic to the point it feels like a massive cry for help.

A whole lot of the songs do follow your average trap album such as drug use, misogyny or mistreating women and very exciting, 808 heavy instrumentals. On a large amount of the songs Future comes across as the biggest asshole in the world, which is not justified, but at least explained in glimpses across some of the songs.

The release of this project follows the break-up between Future and his ex, Ciara, and many of the songs reflect his emotions after this happened. On the songs 'Throw Away' and 'My Savages' details Future's struggles with relationships, the former focusing on how his perspective changed from thinking a girl is merely useful for sex to him realising he has true love for her and wished he didn't cause her to leave.

This all comes to an emotional climax in 'Codeine Crazy' which focuses on the fallout of Future's break-up and how Future drowns away his sorrows with lean. He is so clearly hurting but hides all his emotions behind drugs and alcohol. He recognises he has a problem but he can't do anything about it. This track lays it all on the table, Future's tortured psyche is fully exposed to the public and he needs help dealing with it.

So whilst why he acts the way he does - using woman as objects for revenge and abusing drugs and alcohol - should never be shown sympathy, we at least can have a peek into what has caused his mental downward spiral.

Favourite Songs: Codeine Crazy, Throw Away, 2pac, After That

18. 1999 - Joey Bada$$

This mixtape is awesome, plain and simple. A hungry 17 year old rapper spitting over instrumentals from legendary producers including MF DOOM and J Dilla. And Joey was no average 17 year old rapper, after releasing this tape he was cemented already as one of the most talented emcees on the planet.

His pen game is so on point throughout this project. Whether it's his amazing talent for rhyming best displayed on 'Waves' and 'Fromdatomb$' or his unbelievable wordplay and punchline game, it was clear as day that Joey was passionate about his craft and wanted to perfect it.

I'm gonna list just a few of my favourite one liners across this project just for reference: "Hypocrisy after essence like apostrophe" on Fromdatomb$, "It's panic like Dora when shots blast" on Survival Tactics, "Super bad chicks and they all up in my crib tonight" on Where It'$ At?.

There is a good range of song vibes too. 'Survival Tactics' is an explosive banger with an all-timer feature from the late Capital STEEZ, there's plenty of more mellow, low-fi tracks (Killuminati, Snakes and Pennyroyal) and then you have your classic boom bap style tracks (Waves, Daily Routine and Don't Front).

One of the most impressive parts about this tape is that the features are entirely Joey's close friends in the industry. Capital STEEZ has plenty of appearances, Chuck Strangers shines on 'Fromdatomb$' and produces a good amount of tracks across the project and T'nah Apex has such a calming voice making her a fantastic addition to the tracks she features on.

Overall a super impressive project by a teenager, often referred to as the 'modern day Illmatic' and while, obviously, not as impressive as the 90's classic, I can definitely understand the comparisons.

Favourite Songs: Survival Tactics, Fromdatomb$, Killuminati, Pennyroyal

17. Amerikkkan Korruption - Capital STEEZ

The late great Capital STEEZ's only official project. I would describe this tape as the Shaq to 1999's Kobe. Now it depends on the day whether or not i prefer this to 1999, but as of right now I would place it higher. The main reason for this is because in my opinion STEEZ reaches one of the highest peaks in rapping performance of all time.

His overall pen game is out of this world having multiple of the most lyrically dense verses I've ever heard. Whether it's a commentary of societal structures in America on 'Free The Robots', a story of a girl he is in love with but can't make time for in '135' or songs that are just packed to the brim with punchlines (Apex, Dead On Arrival and 47 Elements).

STEEZ also re-purposes a whole lot of MF DOOM and Madlib beats across this tape, so the production is on the same level as his rapping at all times. It is so sad to think that this is all the music that STEEZ released because if he continued on this wavelength I think he would be regarded as one of the all time greats to proper hip-hop heads.

You can feel his passion for the art of rapping in every single track on this record. He brings so much excitement and personality to the table which both always perfectly compliments his choice of production and creates a cohesive listening experience. STEEZ was a still fresh face in the industry when he left this earth and he still had so much more to show, just imagining what he could have created with more time alive is getting me down. Rest easy Steelo. <3

Favourite Songs: Apex, Free The Robots, Cab Fare, Bonified Loving

16. Daytona - Pusha T

The definition of short and sweet (sorry Sabrina). Clocking in at seven tracks and 21 minutes, it's compact and never does it feel too short.

Pusha's presence on each track is so powerful and captivating, just makes you want to listen on repeat. I mean dude comes off as an MVP drug dealer on this album. If this was any other rapper it would come off as one dimensional and get old very quickly, however Push has so much personality and can express his experiences in such creative ways to create a listen that just encapsulates you. Lines like "Murder on the highway, the news is at six, See, I did it my way, the proof's in the bricks", "Ran off on the plug too like Trugoy" and "I won't let you ruin my dreams or Harvey Weinstein the kid, Good mornin', Matt Lauer—can I live?" make Push one of the most entertaining rappers to listen to.

He is more boastful and energetic about his lifestyle than ever on here. The production from Kanye across this record is also unbelievable, as per usual. Kanye finds the perfect balance between polished modern production and the gritty sound of NY hip-hop.

Favourite Songs: If You Know You Know, What Would Meek Do?, The Games We Play

15. Lemonade - Beyonce

This was my first Beyonce album and I am so glad it was. I have always been a sucker for thematic albums (as you can tell from the list so far) and this album being Beyonce at her most hollow and vulnerable speaking about Jay Z's infidelity in their relationship made it hit instantly.

Beyonce is as transparent about this relationship as she possibly can be, the opening line of the album is literally "You can taste the dishonesty" so I knew instantly we were in for a wild ride. Although this album isn't just a therapy session for her to get her feelings out, it is an out-right message to her husband. She absolutely scolds him for his actions on here, as she rightfully should.

Aside from the lyrical content, the album is still pretty much flawless. The album is incredibly versatile, blending elements of hip-hop, R&B, pop, country and blues with Beyonce's vocal performances being at her absolute peak on here. With examples like her belting verses on 'Don't Hurt Yourself', her soft yet powerful performance on the country influenced 'Daddy Issues' and the sombre, emotional masterpiece 'Sandcastles', Beyonce gives a large majority of her best ever performances on here.

Favourite Songs: Sandcastles, Hold Up, Sorry, Freedom

14. All My Heroes Are Cornballs - JPEGMAFIA

Possibly the least accessible album on this entire list, yet somehow one of Peggy's more accessible in his catalog. The production is unhinged in the most structurally cohesive way, every switch from hard techno/industrial hip-hop to calmer, more soothing lo-fi beats feels perfect and necessary.

It's like a fusion child of cloud rap, industrial and experimental hip-hop with R&B vocal elements, this makes for a confusing listen for new fans but grows more captivating as you get used to it.

Peggy uses his often sarcastic lyricism to create the narrative of how internet culture can affect human thoughts, which is pushed through discussing topics like politics, critics and internet trolls. This narrative is further complimented through the glitchy and trippy production across the whole record. Genuinely such a fascinating listening experience and very very fun to break down and analyse.

Favourite Songs: Kenan vs Kel, PRONE!, All My Heroes Are Cornballs, Jesus Forgive Me, I Am A Thot

13. Tetsuo & Youth - Lupe Fiasco

A true gem in the realm of conscious hip-hop, this album truly one of a kind. After a disappointing run of albums by Lupe from 'Lasers' to 'Food & Liquor 2', this album serves as both an apology to his fans and a statement piece that Lupe is back to his best.

It opens up with the most intricately written rap song I have ever heard in 'Mural', seriously I will let you research into this song alone yourself cause it is mind-boggling how many metaphors and references he fits into each individual line.

There are many theorised themes and concepts to this album (I'll be honest a good amount that I have heard have not made sense to me yet and there could be even more that I haven't caught onto yet) with the most established theme being the album being divided into sections defined by seasons, in which the soundscape of each section reflects the state of Chicago in each season.

A hidden concept however is by listening to the record in reverse. By doing this it tells the story of Lupe's own life from birth, detailing growing up in Chicago and climaxing with him using all the knowledge gained throughout his career in one display of pure lyrical prowess in the previously mentioned 'Mural'. This album is another one to really sit and dissect, but even then you will still learn more with every listen.,

Favourite Songs: Mural, Prisoner 1 & 2, They.Resurrect.Over.New, Adoration of the Magi

12. We Got It From Here... Thank You For Your Service - A Tribe Called Quest

The musical equivalent to Scholes winning the Premier League in his retirement season, or Kobe dropping 60 in his final game, this is the perfect close-out to a stellar career in hip-hop.

This is the best example of modernised old school hip-hop. The production is still full of the spirit and character of old school Tribe whilst blending it with more polished, current-day production. This is also reflected through the features. Throwing it back to the old generation of artists (Busta Rhymes, Consequence and Talib Kweli), mixing in superstars of the modern day (Kanye West and Kendrick) and incorporating stars of the future (Anderson .Paak and Yebba).

Despite the almost 20 year break from music, the group's lyrical quality has no rust. Their lyricism is as clever as ever and each track is good enough to listen to as a stand alone song, whilst still contributing to an amazing experience as a whole album. Each member still provides their own quirks to each track, even with the unfortunate passing of Phife Dawg occurring during the making of the record.

Favourite Songs: Conrad Tokyo, The Space Program, Moving Backwards, Kids...

11. Honor Killed The Samurai - Ka

Another one of the less accessible albums on here, this album is pure poetry by one of the greatest writers in the history of the industry. This album is a fascinating commentary on a man's honour, detailing how it can clash with personal experiences like relationships and likening his own life experiences to that of a samurai.

Ka's deadpan and monotonous delivery combined with the nocturnal, drumless beats help to emphasise every single lyric and give it maximum effect. The soundscape of the production feels so raw and stripped back, letting the album feel less like a hip-hop album but more like a deep dive into Ka's psyche.

After the announcement of his passing, many of the lyrics across this record leave a sour taste in your mouth. Lines like "Tryna find a reason, I'm still alive breathin" and "No futures promised, just for now" makes it feel like, eventhough he was writing in this way to push the narrative he was telling, he was almost predicting his fate in real time, despite the fact the cause of death has not been revealed.

Favourite Songs: Conflicted, $, I Wish (Death Poem), Mourn At Night

10. ANTI - Rihanna

A prime example of the perfect blend between alternative R&B and pop music, ANTI is Rihanna's most intimate album yet showing her growth and maturity as an overall artist.

This record strayed farther away from the radio friendly pop sound that Rihanna was famous for. Eventhough the album still has some huge hits on it's hands like the catchy club hit 'Work' and the powerfully transparent 'Love On The Brain', it is largely focused on Rihanna's sonic progression.

Her vocal performances on this album are on a completely different level than what I've heard from her previously. Songs like 'Higher' and 'Love On The Brain' really showcase how amazing Rihanna's vocals really can be.

Rihanna tackles many different topics across these 13 songs. From heartbreak, to desire, to self discovery and emotional vulnerability, Rihanna just lays it all out on here.

Favourite Songs: Higher, Kiss It Better, Love On The Brain, Close To You

9. Blank Face LP - ScHoolboy Q

An all-timer west coast hip-hop album in my eyes. Blank Face is a gritty exploration of street life and the struggles that come with success. Q's lyrical capabilities are really on show here, especially his storytelling which shines on songs such as 'JoHn Muir' and 'Dope Dealer'.

The production really helps emphasise the themes being talked about across this record. The dark, ominous production is so crisp and perfectly compliments Q's more unique delivery. It helps create a very calculated, almost claustrophobic atmosphere. Like look at the song 'Groovy Tony/Eddie Kane', specifically the first part 'Groovy Tony'. The menacing beat combined with Q's calculated yet manic delivery creates the image of the listener being closed down into an alleyway in which they are about to get jumped, which feeling is even further emphasised through lines such as "Look around, now you're hellbound, boogie down".

This album has a really stacked feature lineup too. From Kanye West, to Vince Staples, to Jadakiss, to Anderson .Paak and to one of the only features from his label TDE SZA, this album is packed to the brim with talent.

Favourite Songs: JoHn Muir, Groovy Tony/Eddie Kane, Dope Dealer, Ride Out

8. Atrocity Exhibition - Danny Brown

The album with potentially the least accessible song I have ever heard in 'Downward Spiral', but this song is the blueprint of the entire album. This record is like a drug party that has extended long past it's run-time. Danny Brown is pretty much losing his mind in front of our very eyes across 15 tracks and neither we nor he can do anything about it.

The unconventional, often chaotic and occasionally disturbing production set the ideal base for the topics Brown describes across this album. Then combined with Brown's weird and unsettling vocal tonalities and inflections puts you in an atmosphere that the average person can only imagine in their dreams.

Brown's already prominent mental issues are all put under a big spotlight, and are further heightened by the copious amounts of drugs and alcohol he is on. He is at his most painfully vulnerable at all points, making this album a commentary on the dangers that come with hedonism and how it can affect a mentally ill person.

It is truly a one of a kind experience and each time I relisten back I'm just so thankful and relieved that I have never experienced what Danny Brown has.

Favourite Songs: Downward Spiral, Really Doe, Tell Me What I Don't Know, Ain't It Funny

7. Piñata - Freddie Gibbs

Undisputedly one of the greatest gansta rap albums ever. Just an unrelenting showcase of Gibbs' rapping abilities and Madlib's producing proficiency.

Freddie Gibbs has one of the greatest flows in the history of hip-hop. On every song his flow is smooth as butter and he manages to hit every single pocket in the instrumentals he raps over. Examples such as 'Thuggin' and 'Deeper' have genuinely some of the greatest sounding flows I've heard in any rap song.

Then we get onto the production. Madlib is one of the greatest producers of all time so it's no surprise this album is amazingly produced. Madlib is an absolute master at sampling and manages to make instrumentals with looping samples not feel repetitive at all. He also done a fantastic job at making sure the production is crisp enough to stand out whilst at the same time still taking a backseat to Gibbs' performances.

The features across this album also shine. Raekwon, Danny Brown, Domo Genesis, Earl Sweatshirt, Meechy Darko, everyone makes their presence known on their respective tracks whilst not taking the overall shine away from the song as a whole.

Who would have thought that if you combined one of the most technically gifted rappers in the game with potentially the greatest producer of all time, you would get a modern day classic, hey?

Favourite Songs: Thuggin, Shitsville, Robes, Deeper

6. Melodrama - Lorde

Whole-heartedly one of the greatest pop records I have ever heard. This album is introspective and emotionally charged, exploring the themes of heartbreak, loneliness and the path to self-discovery.

Lorde's vocals are beautiful across this album, where she explores multiple different song styles. Whether it's the beautifully sombre ballad 'Liability', the intricately produced, love rush that is 'The Louvre' or the sugary pop classic 'Perfect Places'.

Melodrama is also one of the most fantastically produced pop albums that I have ever heard. Jack Antonoff does wonders across this record. 'The Louvre' is produced almost like a heartbeat and accurately reflects the feeling of obsessive love told in the song, 'Writer In The Dark' is so minimalistic and lets Lorde's voice and lyrics take the centre stage and in 'Sober' having a bass-heavy background throughout the track, but not letting it border into techno-pop is so masterfully done.

Favourite Songs: Sober, The Louvre, Liability, Perfect Places

5. Swimming - Mac Miller

Hindsight has had a major effect on how I listen to this album. In all fairness, I hadn't listened to it until 2019 when he had already passed, but even then it's still virtually impossible to listen to this through the lens of Mac still being alive.

Mac embraces his problems and flaws in this album whilst still being hopeful that there will be better days around the corner. It was an album where Mac was setting himself on a path of rehabilitation, which is hard to imagine considering how he left the world.

The music itself largely reflects the sentimentality of the record. Mac's performances across the album are so dispirited, but come from a place of pure sincerity that he can and will change, as shown in tracks like 'Wings' and 'Self Care'.

The album is also very well produced. Laced with aquatic-like chords, ethereal orchestral sections and a GROOVY Thundercat bass-line on 'What's The Use?'.

Overall, what would be a beautiful confessional listen of a man that's struggling but focusing on recovery has turned into a reflection on the life of a man that was struggling and how no one knew until this record release, where by this point it was too late.

Favourite Songs: Come Back To Earth, 2009, Small Worlds, Hurt Feelings

4. IGOR - Tyler, the Creator

Igor is your picture perfect representation of crushing on someone that doesn't reciprocate the feelings back. A deeply relatable feeling to almost anyone that listens to the album. It follows the standard narrative of the beginning of a crush and the euphoric feeling one feels, to then realising the love isn't reciprocated and growing resentment and distaste towards the other, then culminating with the feeling of acceptance and wanting to keep some sort of connection, even if it isn't a romantic one.

Now whilst Tyler may not be the greatest singer, the fact he taps into his softer, more R&B centered side on this album really helps heightens the emotions he portrays. It helps him accurately depict the feelings of love and heartbreak by melodically belting out on songs like 'Earfquake' and 'Are We Still Friends?'.

Tyler's production also is taken to a whole new level on here. He's finally mastered his signature style, the synth based instrumentals. The synth's that he runs with are so unique and recognisable, and when paired with the in-your-face scattering drums on 'New Magic Wand ', a groovy bass-line on 'Earfquake' or whether it's the focal point of the instrumental like on 'Running Out Of Time' and 'Are We Still Friends?' it blends into a really cohesive listening experience.

Favourite Songs: Running Out Of Time, Igor's Theme, I Think, Are We Still Friends?

3. To Pimp A Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar

One of the most critically acclaimed albums of all time, and for good reason. This album is a stellar exploration of the black experience in America, weaving elements of hip-hop, jazz, funk and spoken word to create a captivating soundscape.

Kendrick's lyrical content is at it's most powerful on here. Blending in stories told as parables, political commentary, experiences and emotions felt in his personal life all to depict the narrative of life as a young black man living in America, more specifically Compton where Kendrick is from.

Overall construction of this album is absolutely perfect too. The features are all culturally significant such as Ronald Isley and Bilal, and the production is pristine and crisp at all times. Sometimes I just sit down and listen closely to the production itself so I can catch all the elements put into every track.

Every single note of this album has the most amount of care put into it, it's maximalist music at it's absolute finest.

Favourite Tracks: Wesley's Theory, Momma, Mortal Man, The Blacker The Berry

2. Black Messiah - D'Angelo and The Vanguard

A 14-year-long wait since his last album 'Voodoo', fans were hoping that D'Angelo would deliver another neo-soul classic in a time when the roots of the sub-genre seemed to be in a decline. What was delivered was a neo-soul, funk rock fusion extravaganza, tackling subjects like social justice and systemic oppression.

D'Angelo's return to music, albeit temporary, was accompanied by his own band The Vanguard to form the instrumentals, and this decision was amazing. The instrumentation across this album is super crisp and modernised whilst still mixing in the charm of the production in D'Angelo's earlier work.

As mentioned before, this album is much more socially conscious than his previous work. He tackles the themes of love, identity and struggles in the black community which are all woven together flawlessly through his poetic lyricism and graphic imagery. 'The Charade' would be the standout track, serving as a touching commentary on systemic racism through strong metaphors such as "All we wanted was a chance to talk, 'Stead we only got outlined in chalk".

An absolutely stunning comeback album, which very well could end up as a retirement album too, depending on how he wakes up of course.

Favourite Tracks: Really Love, Another Life, Ain't That Easy, The Charade

1. Blonde - Frank Ocean

Blonde is one of the most immersive depictions of love, identity and self discovery in music. Blending elements of R&B, pop and alternative music to create an eclectic, unique listening experience.

Frank is one of the best vocalists of the generation and this is on full display here. Songs like 'Godspeed' and 'Self Control' really show the extent he can stretch his voice and the pitches he can hold. However, the main reason this album stands out as the best of the decade is through Frank's song writing and the production of the album.

Frank delves deep into topics such as heartbreak, longing and the overall complexities that come with a relationship. Lines like "I'll be the boyfriend in your wet dreams tonight" and "My eyes like them red lights, Right now, I prefer yellow, Redbone, so mellow" show how capable of a song writer Frank is and why that is one of his defining features.

The album is also produced beautifully as previously mentioned. It's defined by it's extensive minimalism, using as many features as possible like varied live instrumentation and futuristic synthesizers to give maximum effect to every song, whilst still not being too over-bearing and and letting Frank himself shine. When Frank does decide to go extra with the production however, it makes for such an immersive, ambient experience. The use of both vocal and instrumental layering plays a big part in the overall atmosphere of the album, such as the ethereal vocal layering at the end of 'Self Control' and the use of numerous guitars, synthesizers and even piano in 'Nights'.

This album is beautiful, it deserves all the praise that it garners, eventhough there is a large group that believe it is overrated, and above all else it is my favourite album of all time.

Favourite Songs: Self Control, White Ferrari, Solo, Seigfried

That wraps up my top 25 albums of the 2010's. Leave in the comments any albums you believe should have made the list, good chance is they were either close or I haven't heard them yet. Also comment if you believe a different album by a particular artist should have made it to the list and why you believe so.